Scilla litardierei

Previously known as Scilla pratensis, the award-winning 1827 Meadow Squill has pyramidal, composite blooms of lavender to royal-blue. Generally referred to as Wood Squill, deer- and rodent-resistant Scilla naturalize readily in areas of light shade or dappled sunlight. You’ll need about nine bulbs per square foot. (Square footage is determined multiplying the planting site’s length times its width.) In woodland settings, you can also scatter-plant the bulbs for a more natural look.

Bulb size: 6 cm/up. Full to partial sunlight. Bloom time in horticultural zone 5: May/June. Plant 5" deep and 4" to 6" apart. HZ: 4-8. Height: 6". (Scilla are also good for forcing: pot them up in mid-October, precool them at a consistent, dark 38° to 45°F for six to eight weeks with moderate watering. Bring them into the house~they will bloom about two to four weeks later.)